Budapest Rent 101: The Ultimate Tenant Guide to Common Costs
When renting an apartment in Budapest, one of the most common questions tenants ask is:
“What exactly is included in the közös költség (common cost)?”
It’s a great question — because while rent and utility bills are usually easy to understand, common cost can feel vague. This guide breaks down what’s typically covered in Budapest and helps you understand what you're paying for — and how it might change.
What Are “Common Costs”?
Common cost (közös költség) is a monthly fee every apartment owner (and tenant, if it's included in the rent or passed on) pays in a condominium (társasház). It covers shared expenses in the building that benefit all residents.
In Budapest, common costs typically range from 10,000 to 30,000 HUF/month, but in buildings with elevators, heating, or extra services, it can be higher.
What’s Usually Included?
Here’s a breakdown of what’s typically included in the common cost in Budapest:
Building Maintenance & Cleaning
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Cleaning of staircases, hallways, and common areas
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Minor repairs to common infrastructure (doors, windows, railings)
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Lightbulb replacement in shared spaces
Electricity for Common Areas
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Lighting in stairwells, courtyards, elevators, basements
Elevator Maintenance
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Monthly inspection and upkeep (in buildings with elevators)
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Emergency call system
Waste Management
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Communal garbage collection (note: this may be paid separately in some cases, depending on the district)
Caretaker or Common Representative Fee
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Salary or compensation for the közös képviselő (property manager)
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Fee for an on-site janitor (gondnok), if available
Building Reserve Fund (felújítási alap)
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A small portion goes into a long-term savings fund for future repairs like roof replacement, facade renovation, or plumbing upgrades
Sometimes Included Extras
In newer or well-maintained buildings, additional services might also be covered:
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Central heating or hot water (especially in district-heated buildings)
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Water and sewage (rare, but some buildings include a fixed water fee)
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Security systems or doorman
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Courtyard/garden maintenance
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Building insurance
Always ask your landlord or the property manager for a detailed breakdown.
Can Common Cost Change Over Time?
Yes — and this is important to know as a tenant.
The common cost amount is not fixed forever. It can be changed by the condominium’s general assembly (közgyűlés), where apartment owners vote on budget matters, maintenance needs, and service fees.
If the assembly decides to raise or lower the fee (for example, due to increased maintenance costs or new renovation plans), the monthly common cost will change accordingly, and the landlord may pass this change on to you.
So even if your lease states a current amount, it’s a good idea to know this figure can legally change during your tenancy.
What’s Not Included?
While common cost covers shared building expenses, it does not usually include:
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Your individual electricity, gas, water usage (unless stated as a flat rate)
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Internet, TV, or phone bills
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Rental fee itself — this is a separate cost
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Property tax or owner’s personal obligations
How Do You Pay It?
Most tenants pay the common cost monthly in advance, either:
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Directly to the condominium’s bank account, or
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Together with the rent, if the landlord collects and forwards it.
Make sure to check your lease: some landlords include common cost in the rent, while others list it separately.
Tenant Tip:
Before signing a lease, always ask:
“How much is the current common cost, and what exactly does it cover?”
It’s also smart to request a copy of the official condominium statement (közös költség értesítő) for clarity.
